as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
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Recent Examples of thorn
The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.
—
Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
But one Democratic strategist said Emanuel’s record — particularly as mayor of Chicago — could be a thorn in his side.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 30 May 2025
The law has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration’s campaign to ramp up deportations, which the president has cast as an effort to rid the country of criminals despite also targeting immigrants with no prior convictions.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
As Trump’s top second-term legislative priority remained in limbo, the courts once again were a thorn in his side on what to him may be his most important policy objective of all: his big, beautiful tariffs.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
But one Democratic strategist said Emanuel’s record — particularly as mayor of Chicago — could be a thorn in his side.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 30 May 2025
The law has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration’s campaign to ramp up deportations, which the president has cast as an effort to rid the country of criminals despite also targeting immigrants with no prior convictions.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
As Trump’s top second-term legislative priority remained in limbo, the courts once again were a thorn in his side on what to him may be his most important policy objective of all: his big, beautiful tariffs.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
This is just the wrong place for trash fees to be charged and is pretty much guaranteed to create massive headaches for homeowners.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 June 2025
-
Bringing a pet to the vet's office for an appointment can often cause owners headaches, but one woman's chaotic experience left the internet in stitches.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Noun
-
The velocity of misinformation isn’t just a nuisance.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Eating flaxseed might even ease menopausal symptoms, which—among its many other nuisances—can often include GI issues.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
26 May 2025
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This unfortunate side effect is caused by irritants released from the onion cells when your knife slices through.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
His populist messaging and anti-establishment persona align with many voters’ frustrations with Washington, the Federal Reserve, and legacy media.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Wyndham Clark’s frustration about missing the cut in the 2025 U.S. Open reportedly spilled into the locker room this week.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2025
Noun
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During cross-examination, Jane testified that Combs enjoyed foot rubs and episodes of his favorite show Dateline.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
10 June 2025
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As noted above, there is a rub to connecting, enabling and activating networks.—
Barry Libert,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
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